Saturday 14 November 2020

This Diwali, Don’t Preach About Burning Patriarchy, But Act On It!


I’m tired when people say let us not burn crackers. Instead let us burn patriarchy and sexism.

Respected Woke Amigo, 


Well. Being a feminist myself, I can say that’s a good idea. But you can’t just burn something that’s been deep-rooted in most of the households. You can’t hold a placard and eradicate issues like patriarchy and sexism. Only if it was that easy. 


Instead you make a beginning at your home and put an end once and for all to such messed up issues. For instance, asking the men in the family be part of the household chores. Also telling them on the face how women have the freedom to voice an opinion and bringing their point of views to the table, especially during discussions ranging from one topic to another. 


It’s fine. You can tell them. Sharing a ‘say-no-to patriarchy’ post on social media, tagging or forwarding them will not help. It’s best to talk to them in person. 


Now coming to sexism, think about those desi-uncles who go on a worshipping spree on ‘Women’s Day’. From sugar-coated forwarded messages to inspiring women-centric tales, they just spam their social media feed with ‘women-are-the-best’ posts. 


And from the very next day, they continue to don their opinionated hats and start their daily dose of sexist, misogynistic posts. Thanks to social media, it has not only brought us all together, but has also become a medium for some desi-uncles and guys to bring their casual sexist opinions to the table. 


So, you can either quit the group and stop them from learning their mistakes or just tell them bluntly to come in terms with equality. To begin with, most of the female bashing messages they send hover over topics like, dependent women, wife fearing husbands, spying women, etc. 


In reality, it’s actually the opposite. At least, in most of the cases. 


So, you don’t have to use a festival as a scapegoat to vent your anger on issues like patriarchy and sexism. Preaching won’t help. Questioning people who are instilled with such traits shall surely lead you to an unbiased environment. 


Because, if you stay quiet today and delay further, you might just end up being a victim tomorrow. 


  • Vishal Komara 

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